The Crinkled Gauze Napkin

What it is

This is a cloth napkin made from 100 percent cotton gauze. The fabric has a light, crinkled texture that gives it a relaxed look, and the edges are fringed rather than hemmed. It sits between a dinner napkin and a soft muslin cloth: casual enough for weeknight meals, neat enough for a set table.

Each napkin is handmade, so the size and color can vary slightly from one to the next. That is part of the character of gauze. No two pieces look exactly alike.

Size

One size, sold as a single piece.

At 16 x 16 in (41 x 41 cm), this is a standard dinner napkin size. It folds in half neatly, sits well under a plate, and is large enough to cover a lap without hanging low.

Colors

Sixteen colors are available:

• Light brown
• Ginger
• Burgundy
• Olive green
• Terracotta
• Prussian blue
• Off white
• Beige
• Light pink
• Light yellow
• Orchid
• Light blue
• Orangered
• Black
• Pale pink
• Blue gray

The range runs from quiet neutrals to deeper, warmer tones. Off white and beige work as everyday basics. Terracotta, ginger and burgundy bring warmth to a fall or winter table. Olive green and prussian blue read a little more formal. Light pink, pale pink, orchid and light yellow suit spring and summer settings, showers and birthday tables.

Because these are sold per piece, you can build a set in one color or mix two or three across the table. A common approach: one neutral for most settings, plus one accent color at each end.

How to use it

Use these as everyday cloth napkins at the dinner table. Fold them flat under a fork, roll them with a napkin ring, or lay one across a plate. The crinkled gauze holds a casual shape well and does not need pressing to look right.

For a full table, plan on one napkin per person plus a spare or two. For a family of four, six napkins covers dinner and gives you two extras for guests or for the kitchen. For a larger table, count seats and add two.

Mixing colors is easy here. Pick a base color for the whole table and one contrast color for the head seats, or alternate two colors around the table. The plain dyed finish means each color is solid, so they pair without pattern clashes.

Care

Machine wash cold. Hang dry. Use a low iron if you want a flatter look, though the crinkled texture is meant to stay soft and slightly rumpled, so pressing is optional.

Wash colors separately the first few times, especially the deeper tones like burgundy, black and prussian blue. Gauze softens with each wash. Expect a little shedding from the fringed edges at first, which is normal for a raw edge finish. Trim any loose threads with scissors rather than pulling them.

Store folded flat in a drawer or stacked in a basket near the table so they are easy to grab.